Stormy Passion Read online

  “Then I'll stay,” Carol said.

  Taylor looked at Carol a little surprised. “Are you sure?”

  “Of course. Brenna is a friend of yours, and she has been very nice to me on our visit so I feel she's a friend of mine, too. It's the least I can do before we leave.”

  “That's mighty sweet of you.” Geraldine hugged her.

  Carol smiled. “I would like to go home and change into something more comfortable, though.”

  Taylor drove Carol to the hospital and promised he'd be back to get her mid-morning for their trip home.

  He felt funny leaving his new girlfriend with his old one. And he was very thankful he hadn't told Carol of his past with Brenna. He was grateful to Carol for her unselfishness, and though he wanted to stay himself, he knew Geraldine needed his help. The Inn was Brenna and Geraldine's livelihood.

  When Taylor returned to the Sleepy Hollow Inn, Geraldine was busy in the kitchen slinging pots and pans. Again he thought of how much she reminded him of a General. Since she was running behind schedule, he pitched in peeling potatoes, and Lisa busied herself setting the dining room tables.

  “I'm surprised at how well ya get around a kitchen,” Geraldine said.

  “Not too surprising, seeing as I've been a bachelor for a few years.” He laughed. “I found out fast. You either learn how to cook or starve.”

  “Well, it won't be long before your little lady will be fixin' all ya meals.”

  “I guess so.” Taylor lifted the lid of a pot and tasted the gravy. “Needs salt.”

  Geraldine raised a brow. “Yep, you're goin' to make somebody a fine husband.”

  “I'm not married yet. And if you keep feeding me like this. I just might marry you,” he teased.

  “Son, ya couldn't handle me.” Geraldine chuckled. “But I appreciate the offer and your help tonight. I don't know what we're goin' to do 'till Brenna gets on her feet. She pretty much keeps the rest of us goin'.”

  “Brenna is special.”

  “She's said the same 'bout ya.”

  “Really,” he said, surprised that she'd said something good about him. “Such as?”

  “Oh no, I ain't goin' to take sides. I like ya a lot, but Brenna's my baby.”

  “But you could tell me some things I'd like to know,” Taylor suggested as he moved over and draped an arm around her.

  “Yeah, I probably could. But son, ya got most of the answers in here.” Geraldine put her hand over his heart and patted. “Remember, a special love is hard as hell to find, but when ya do ya know it.”

  Taylor nodded his head. He knew he wasn't going to get any of Brenna's secrets out of Geraldine. And he had the feeling Geraldine knew the whole story. She said he had all the answers. Then why did he feel so damn confused about everything?

  Moving back over to the bar, he sat down on a stool and thought about what Geraldine said a moment ago. There wasn't any way they could keep this place going by themselves. Geraldine left every night to be with her family, and that would leave the burden on Lisa's shoulders. It would be several weeks before Brenna could learn to get around on crutches, and six or more weeks before she'd be back to her old self.

  Yet, what could he do? He had to get Carol home. He had a job to do even though he had competent people that could take over for a couple of months, and his mother could always pinch hit for him. She would be glad to help Brenna. But Brenna and her family were not his responsibility. He had no business interfering with Brenna's life when he had no intentions of being a part of that life.

  Lisa shoved the door open and said, “The fire has gone out in the living room and dining room. And the pipe is clogged again in the downstairs bathroom.”

  “My, my, young lady. Aren't ya full of good news. Ya better get some wood before the dinin' room gets full.”

  Taylor stood up. “Wait, muffin. I'll get the wood and then I'll look at the sink. You take care of the guests.”

  “Thanks, Taylor. I'm glad you're here.”

  “Now ya goin' to go and spoil that youngin. And she's goin' to have to work while Brenna's laid up. I might be good,” Geraldine chuckled. “But I can't do everything.”

  “You are absolutely right, Geraldine, but Lisa won’t be by herself.”

  Geraldine placed a hand on her hip and snorted. “And would ya like to tell me why? Do ya have some miracles up ya sleeve?”

  A little voice screamed inside Taylor's skull, he was getting in over his head. Be careful. You shouldn't do this!

  So why should he be surprised when he said. . .

  “Because I'm going to stay and help you out.”

  Chapter Seven

  Precisely at nine o'clock on Monday morning, Taylor called the office and informed his secretary he wouldn't be coming back for awhile. After giving her Brenna's number, he hung up and placed his second call to the service station to see if Joe had his car ready. Joe said to give him an hour.

  Taylor glanced at Carol's luggage with a twinge of guilt. She had packed before leaving for the hospital last night. He placed her suitcase on the bed, so it would be handy when she returned.

  What was he going to say to Carol now that he'd decided to stay here in Hollow Ridge? His decision wouldn't affect them personally. He would merely help Brenna get back on her feet and, then he'd go home to Carol and they would resume their life. He sure hoped she'd see it the same way he did. After all, Brenna was a friend. She'd do the same thing for him.

  Taylor left the inn and walked the few blocks to Joe's service station, taking the time to really look at Hollow Ridge. It was prettier than he first thought. Could it be that this town was growing on him? He reached the station and spotted his BMW parked out front, so he went into the office to pay the bill.

  “Hi, Joe.” Taylor pulled off his gloves, reached inside his jacket, and removed his wallet. “How much damage did you do me?”

  “Not too bad, son. Ya, can still afford a tank of gas.” Joe chuckled, then slid the bill across the desk just missing a glob of grease. “How did ya like your stay here in our little town?” He picked up a coffee cup and leaned back in the splint-bottom chair.

  Taylor grunted and nodded his head. “Unfortunately, I liked my visit.”

  Joe's gray eyebrows drew together. “Unfortunately? That's a peculiar thing to say.”

  “Well, Joe.” Taylor smiled as he tore the check out and handed it to him. “I've turned weird since stepping foot in this town.” He looked directly at Joe's soulful brown eyes. “The things I thought were important, aren't anymore. I don't know where my life is going, and the most surprising thing of all is I'm staying in your fair town when I should be leaving.”

  “Glad to hear that, son. We can always use a good fellow 'round this here town. And I can tell, ye're a mighty good man.”

  “I'm not so sure. I don't know how long I'll be here. I'm just going to take one day at a time.” Taylor glanced out the window. “Where's the bank? I don't remember seeing one.”

  “'Cause we ain't got one.” Joe rose from behind the desk and followed Taylor to the door. “We have to go to Blue Ridge to do our banking. It's a damn pain, if ya ask me.”

  “Thanks, Joe.” Taylor shook his hand then slipped his gloves back on. “No bank, huh. Interesting.”

  Brenna drifted in and out as if she were floating under the dark water. She could see herself standing in her old living room. Blood was splattered on the wall and the rug. “Why did you do this?” she could hear herself say. “Will I never know why?”

  Then she was writing her note to Taylor as tears streamed down her face. She was almost brought back up to the surface by a sharp pain. God her head hurt. Why did her head hurt?

  Lifting eyelids laden with lead, Brenna could only squint at the blinding light. Quickly, she shut her eyes and waited a few minutes before she tried again.

  This time she was successful. She looked around an unfamiliar the room and realized the white she saw wasn't snow, but the bright lights of a hospital room.


  Boy, she felt bad. Her mouth was dry and her head hurt. She tried to lift her hand, but even that simple task was an effort. What happened? Brenna searched the recesses of her mind. She had been skiing and having a wonderful time until she hit . . . Ice! Now she remembered. But how did she get here? She squeezed her eyelids shut as she thought. A vague memory surfaced of Taylor . . . he was crying. Had he been hurt, too?

  The sound of running water caught her attention and she turned toward the racket. Her head pounded at the sudden movement. “Is somebody here?”

  Taylor's fiancée straightened from washing her hands and grabbed a towel. “It's good to see you're awake.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  Carol finished putting away her makeup and turned around. “I volunteered to sit with you.”

  If Carol was here, what had happened to Taylor? Brenna tried to sit up, but every muscle in her body seemed to hurt. “Is Taylor injured?”

  Carol hurried over to the bed. “No--no he's fine,” she said as she placed a hand on Brenna's arm to calm her down. “What made you think Taylor had an accident?”

  “But the ice. I saw him,” Brenna paused, muddled with jumbled thoughts. “Can I have some water?”

  “Sure.” Carol poured her half a cup and then explained. “Taylor knew about the ice, so he stopped before he got to the turn. You had no idea and got in the mess before you realized it.”

  Brenna gratefully accepted the water and took several sips of the soothing liquid. She was still just a little confused about Taylor. She could have sworn he had been crying, but since Taylor hadn't been hurt, she must have dreamed the whole thing. A beeping noise penetrated her thoughts and she turned to look at a heart monitor. “Why do I have that thing?” Lord, she was going to die. “Maybe you should tell me exactly what happened. I seem to be disoriented, and my head hurts.”

  “I imagine it does.” Carol placed Brenna's hand gently on her forehead. “You have some knot there.”

  “Wow. I've been told I'm hardheaded,” Brenna admitted when her fingers touched the tender spot. “No wonder my head feels like a drum is pounding in it.”

  “I see the swelling has gone down a little, but believe me, it’s huge,” Carol said and then proceeded to fill Brenna in on what had happened yesterday.

  When she had finished, Brenna reached for Carol's hand. “Thanks for staying with me last night. This was a snow festival I won't soon forget. I hope you got some sleep.”

  “I must say it was an interesting night.” Carol stared at Brenna for a few minutes as if she wanted to say more, but instead she rushed on. “Hospitals are noisy, but I did manage to get some rest. Taylor is supposed to come by and get me this morning,” Carol said as she stretched her arms over her head. “I'm looking forward to getting back home.”

  “I guess your vacation didn't turn out quite like you expected?”

  “No, it didn't. But fate sometimes has a funny way of changing one's plans.” Carol smiled sincerely. “If our car hadn't broken down, I'd never gotten to meet you and Lisa, so I'm glad things turned out the way they did.”

  “I guess I'm happy they did, too. All except this broken foot.” Brenna winced as she tried to move it. “I don't really need this right now.”

  The door opened and Dr. Mac came in appearing bright and chipper. “Welcome back to the real world.”

  “Thank you, I think.”

  “How are you feeling?” he asked while examining her foot.

  “Like hell.”

  “That's what I like, a patient who beats around the bush.” He flashed a light in Brenna’s eyes before saying, “Good.” He put the instrument in his shirt pocket. “How about I set that foot before breakfast? And then we can send you home.”

  “That sounds good, Doc. I'm not hungry anyway.”

  “Great. I'll have a nurse get you in a minute,” he said as he left the room.

  She looked at Carol. “I'm sure you'll be gone by the time I get back.” Brenna choked up and had to stop while she composed herself. “Thank you for everything. And I hope you and Taylor have a safe trip home.”

  Carol moved over and gave her a hug. “It's I who should be thanking you. Take care.”

  The nurse came as promised and rolled Brenna on a gurney down the hall. She reflected on Carol's strange remark. Maybe she was thanking her for their little talk about Taylor, but other than that Brenna couldn't imagine why Carol would make such a comment.

  Taylor. Brenna sighed and blinked back the threatening tears. He would be gone by the time she came back to her room. Gone. Deep down, she knew it was better this way because she would probably have made a fool of herself if she actually had to say goodbye.

  “I'm happy you're here,” Carol told Taylor when he entered the room. She got up and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Where's Brenna?”

  “I'm glad to see you too.” Carol laughed before she answered his question. “You've just missed her. They took her to have her foot set. She said to tell you goodbye.” Bending over, she picked up her bag and pocketbook. “I'm looking forward to getting home. This has been a most unusual weekend.”

  “You mean because of the engagement?”

  “Among other things. I've met new friends, and I believe I have an insight into what made you the person you are.”

  He wasn't quite sure he liked the way Carol smiled. As if she had a dark secret she wasn't willing to share. “I'm not sure I follow you. But I need to ask you something.”

  “Go ahead, ask.”

  “If you don't mind, I'd like to send you home in my car, and I'll follow in a few weeks.” He avoided her eyes by glancing down. “I don't see any way Brenna can survive without some help, especially since she doesn't have a family other than Lisa.”

  Carol remained silent while she thought the situation over. Taylor wouldn't blame her if she told him to go to hell.

  “I agree. It's a sad situation, and I think it's very honorable that you want to help.” Again she gave him that funny little smile. “Don’t take this wrong,” she hesitated, “but I think that some time away from each other will do us good. Give us some time to think things through.”

  “Thanks for understanding.” He hugged her. “Let's go back to the Inn and get the jeep. I'll help you with your luggage.”

  Walking across the parking lot Carol asked, “Do you want me to say anything to your mother?”

  “No.” He opened the car door for Carol. “I'll tackle her later. Besides she's on a trip and shouldn't be home for another three weeks.” He gave her a half-smile. “When you get home, take my car to the bank. Give the keys to Richard Wallace and tell him to arrange to bring my car back up here,” Taylor instructed, then lean down and gave Carol a kiss on the cheek. “He will know what to do.”

  Carol would make someone a good wife, he thought . . . He meant she'd make him a good wife.

  Boy was his mother going to have a fit. He wasn't coming home, and when he did he would be getting married.

  After seeing Carol on her way, Taylor drove back to the hospital. Unfortunately, a nagging little voice kept pestering him.

  What are you doing, Taylor?

  “I'm taking care of a sick friend.”

  It took you three years to get Brenna out of your life. After all, she left you.

  “I know all that,” he snapped. “But she needs help and I'll get my answers before I leave.”

  But will you leave?

  “Yes, damn it! Now go away.” Had he turned so daft he was talking to himself? He just needed time--time to help Brenna--time to figure out what he wanted in life.

  I'll leave for now. But I hope you know what you're doing.

  Taylor rubbed the back of his neck. “I do, too,” he whispered and then swung the vehicle into the hospital parking lot.

  Three hours later, Brenna was being wheeled back to her room, but this time in a wheelchair.

  “Why the sad face?” Dr. Mac teased. “It wasn't all that bad. I tried to give you a deco
rative cast.”

  “Yes, you did. I especially like the happy face looking up at me.” Brenna smiled. “I've just never broken anything before, and I don't know how to use those sticks.” Brenna pointed to the crutches. However, that was only the small reason she felt flatter than a pancake. The big reason she would keep to herself. “I guess I need to call Geraldine to come and get me.”

  “Here we are.” He turned the wheelchair around and backed her into the room. “I don't think you'll have to call Geraldine.”

  “How come? Are you going to take me home?”

  “No. But I am,” said another voice behind her.

  “Taylor!” Brenna turned her head as the doctor swung the chair around. Taylor leaned against the far wall dressed in a pink shirt and black cardigan. His blue eyes never left her as a gentle smile touched his lips.

  She glanced at him in shock. “I thought you and Carol would be gone by now.”

  Taylor moved over to the bed. “Somebody had to take you home.” He picked up a soft pink robe and let it dangle from his fingers. “And I thought you probably could use some clothes, so I brought you a bathrobe.”

  “Thank goodness. I don't think I can get my ski pants over this thing.” She pointed to the white glob of plaster.

  Dr. Mac finished scribbling something on a prescription pad. “This is for pain. Brenna can take it every six hours,” he said as he tore off the paper and handed it to Taylor. “Please try to keep her quiet for a few days.” He directed his attention back to Brenna. “I'll leave you in Taylor's capable hands, and I'll see you in two weeks.”

  “But he's not staying,” Brenna tried to tell the doctor. They both ignored her.

  “Thanks, Doc,” Taylor called to Dr. Mac as he left the room. “I've already put your ski clothes in the car,” Taylor said, turning back to Brenna. “Let me help you with your robe.” He moved over and stood in front of her. “It's pretty cold out there today.”

  “I really do appreciate this. But I don't expect you to take any more time from your vacation.” She was getting flustered. He shouldn't be here. This wasn't right.